How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

The Social Security Administration recommends that you apply for disability as soon as you are disabled. It can take months to be approved or denied for assistance.

How to Apply for Disability

You can fill out an application through the Social Security Administration’s website. It’s beneficial to those who are unable to travel into the local office. Anyone 18 or older can apply for benefits online. You must not be receiving benefits already, and you can’t have been denied for benefits in the last sixty days.

Another way to apply for benefits is to call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number, which is 1-800-772-1213. The hard of hearing can call TTY 1-800-325-0778.

Lastly, you can visit your local Social Security office to apply for benefits in person. Expect there will be a bit of a wait to see a staff member at the local office.

Information Needed to Apply

You’ll need to have your social security number and proof of your age when applying for benefits. Proof of age can be done with a birth certificate. You’ll need the names and addresses of the medical professionals you’ve seen for your condition. Along with the names and addresses, you’ll need their phone numbers and the dates of your visits.

If you have lab test results, you should bring them with you. All medications should be written down along with the dosages.

Aside from all medical documents in your possession, you’ll need information about work history including what kind of work you performed and recent W-2 forms.

You shouldn’t delay applying for benefits if you don’t have all this information. The office can often help you acquire the documents you’ll need.

Medical Conditions that Might Qualify for Disability

Conditions that are expected to last more than twelve months, ones that are considered to be severe and prevents you from engaging in activities at work are considered conditions that meet the guidelines for disability. You don’t have to wait twelve months to apply for disability though.

Some medical conditions that can lead to a disability claim are heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, hearing problems and muscular dystrophy.

What to do if You’re Denied? There are times that the Social Security Administration will deny your claim. That doesn’t have to be the end of the story. You can hire a social security disability lawyer to put in an appeal on your case. Often, claims are denied without the help of an experienced lawyer.

Make sure you’re applying for benefits as soon as you learn about a medical or psychological disability, and seek the help of a lawyer if you’re denied benefits.